Casterton Connections Kane Forbes chats and unpacks a few of the recollections, relationships, events and intrigues that envelope the history of Warrock Station with past owner Gavin Larkins.
Gavin, wife Carol and children David, Peter, Andrew and Bridget accepted the role of custodians of George Robertsons 1843 homestead purchasing it from the Patterson descendants around 30 years ago. Gavin’s respect for History recounts his efforts to always value the stories and self- sufficient settlement while facing the challenge of its National Trust Heritage Listing.
Kane’s meticulous research respectfully shapes the discussions of Easter Sunday Open Days which drew hundreds of eager visitors to see the 30 buildings come alive highlighting a bygone era. Warrock’s fascination is not purely found in its ‘Birthplace of the Kelpie” title but also its Museum, Victoria’s largest free standing Conservatory of it’s time, Film set, and the mystic encounters with past owners George and Mary Robertson which Gavin recalls.
The Larkins family handed over custodianship to present owner Scott Farquharson and so Warrock’s history lives on and one ponders did George and Mary Robertson ever envisage such a dynasty would remain .
Casterton’s ‘Birth Place of the Kelpie’ title is entrenched in the history of Warrock Homestead and the Robertson, Patterson, Larkins and Farquharson families. From its earliest days of settlement and self sufficiancy in 1843 to our present day Warrock’s historical journey, aura, development, heritage preservation has intrigued locals and historians alike.
Casterton Connections is thrilled over coming weeks to present a mini series of interviews which unpack a little of the characters, facts, lived experiences and stories synonymous with settlement, farming and our Kelpie fame.
Local author Adam Robertson’s is honoured to kick off the Warrock series which reflects on his research and conversations with Mrs Jess Flanders that culminated in his book ‘ A Life Built Worth Settling For …. Warrock Station ‘ being published in 2018.
Casterton Connections is thrilled to bring to the crease lifelong Coleraine Resident Chris Hutchins whose connection to Casterton evolved through a love of cricket and his service for many years as a school bus driver around the district.
Chris shares an insight into a childhood with his siblings including a twin brother. A simpler time created many treasured connections and without television a commraderie with all the kids on “The Block” that ignited passion for cricket. One that took him from ‘The Block’; around the district where his reputation and talent grew and on lifetime experiences across nations overseas in the over 60’s.Even playing in Switzerland on Ice! His love of the game and desire to always improve on and off the pitch created personal challenge. With the support of wife Kate and family one he stood by with conviction and still revels in at 71 years.
Sit back and enjoy Chris’ laconic story telling, at times larrikan humour and personable banter as co-cricketer and past school bus traveller Kane unpacks a hardworking , grounded people person whose motto “ You are only as Good as Your Next Innings” has and will continue to hold him in good stead.
To mark 150 years of football in Casterton, Casterton Connections in collaboration with the Casterton-Sandford Football Netball Club, brought together generations of players, coaches, committee members, volunteers and supporters for a weekend of celebration.
Recorded live across the reunion weekend, this special podcast captures the stories, memories and voices that have shaped the Casterton-Sandford Football Netball Club through the decades.
From premiership glories to country rivalries, from the people behind the scenes to those who pulled on the jumper, this episode is a time capsule of community spirit, passion and pride in one of Victoria’s oldest country clubs.
Wando Vale resident Denise Houlihan truly embodies the spirit of Pioneering Women. Along with her husband Frank they worked together to provide and raise their children, promote love of the land and learning.
Following Frank’s death Denise’s thirst and willingness to experience new horizons while assisting others was kindled by an advertisement for teachers to join School of the Air through Volunteers for Isolated Student Education {VISE}.
A 6 week adventure / commitment to outback Queensland and later on Northern Territory became a 10 year love affair, despite the Cane Toad, pythons, dust and heat.
Denise’s cultural awakening and sharing not only with the families but of the essence of the outback, its spectacular vastness and the kaleidoscope of cherished relationships and experiences are captured with humility and respect in her own handwritten diaries.
Casterton Connections are thrilled to present a snippet of the 600 entries in Denise’s Diaries which with lyrical descriptions , heartwarming and generosity of spirit transport the listener into the private thoughts and writings entered creatively and diligently by this wonderful lady over the ten years.
Vision Australia’s digitalizing of Denise’s Diaries are a testament to Denise Houlihan’s treasure chest of writings. Sit back , close your eyes and walk the journey with Denise as she not only shares her past joys but reminisces with interviewers Kane, Lois and Luke as her Diary treasures are unpacked.
At 94 years old, Denise Houlihan still lives alone on her Casterton farm—despite losing her sight. Her fierce independence is matched only by her deep gratitude for the local community and family who support her way of life.
One of eight children, Denise grew up during the Great Depression, moving from town to town as her father sought work. She eventually completed her schooling in Melbourne before returning home at 16 to become a junior teacher—kickstarting a lifelong passion for education.
At 22, she married Frank and together they took up the last soldier settlement in Casterton. After 45 years of marriage, Denise was widowed and was struggling, that was until she signed up to volunteer with the VISE program, teaching in remote outback schools for six months each year from age 70 to 80.
Her story spans nearly a century of resilience, adventure, and service—from the classroom to the red dust of the Outback. Tune in to hear how Denise continues to inspire others to embrace life fully—and maybe even plan a visit to Australia’s heartland.
Casterton and District Residents were for 31 years accustomed to our “cycling cop “as Leading Senior Constable Shane Kelly rode his pushbike to and from his shift.
An answered call of 36.5 years of service and duty by a Muntham born and bred policeman until enforced retirement due to ill health in 2024.
This latest podcast sheds light on the Kelly 120 year “Kildare” Muntham history, Shane’s interests, experiences learned and shared from farm days and the challenging diversity of the Police Force, city life and the varied dynamics of human nature.
Kane and Lois’ insightful questioning unearths Shane’s frank and direct, yet generous unpacking not only of his career but other layers including the unwavering support of wife Suzanne and his three children. Support so vital and never taken for granted by him as he walked the tricky beat of a policeman in his home town.
Retired Leading Senior Constable Kelly despite the traumas faced by those on the force believes in the value of role models and positive community connections. Thisfuels his willingness to still give as best he can to helping wherever he can volunteering, enjoying membership with the Vice Regal Band and the love of farming.
The Kelly affinity and Casterton Connection is bound to remain strong as in Shane’s opinion our town and wider district is “God’s Own Country… A paradise I wouldn’t want to leave.”
Growing up in Casterton, Paul Cottier enjoyed the freedom of a small-town childhood, surrounded by mates and steeped in music. His passion was sparked not just by his father, a gifted musician, but also by the rich legacy of the Casterton Vice Regal Band—an enduring symbol of musical pride in the region.
Together with his brother, Paul carried that passion into the Royal Australian Navy Band. As a bugler, he played at iconic events—from the visit of Pope John Paul II to the haunting stillness of the Gallipoli Dawn Service. He performed alongside greats like James Morrison at Generations in Jazz, and served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and East Timor.
Trained in conducting and arrangement, Paul rose through the ranks to become Director of Music Navy, finishing his distinguished career as a Commander.
Tune in to hear his incredible story of service, sound, and resilience—shaped by heritage, community, and the enduring power of music.
Peter Chantler’s childhood with his family was mobile as they travelled to numerous communities across the country with his father’s banking employment. Casterton embedded strong connections in Pete’s teenage years resulting in him to lay a lifetime base. His family’s nomadic early years however had sown a seed of adventure that became his passion and as listeners are treated to his re-treking of such amazing world- wide experiences, highlights, and at times lucky misadventures they cross different continents.
Peter’s ethos of accepting any opportunity and work skill challenge that opened up to him; along with his willingness to share it, has created a thrilling episode that takes listeners on an expedition. One that not only highlights borders, experiences, interesting characters but also an era of travel without social media and modern communications. An era of exploration grasped with great enthusiasm by a true explorer who treasures his life of adventure and equally so his Casterton Connection. “ His Base” first laid in those teenage years.
Join us for a heartwarming journey through time as Arnold and Irene Hornibrook share captivating stories from their decades in Casterton. From the early days of local businesses to the founding of the Lions Club and the Casterton Motor Enthusiasts Club, this episode is rich with community spirit and personal history.
Arnie, who grew up in Strathdownie, first laid eyes on Irene—then just 15—at a local event. Five years later, they married, and today they celebrate an incredible 70 years together. Their secret? Working side by side and always enjoying each other’s company.
Hear how Irene’s clerical training with the nuns at the Casterton convent helped support Arnie’s many ventures—shoe repairer, salesman, upholsterer, carpet cleaner, second-hand furniture dealer, and even a teardrop caravan builder.
For the Hornibrooks, Casterton isn’t just home—it’s the friendliest, safest town in the world. Don’t miss this inspiring episode full of love, legacy, and local pride.
Leaving Casterton and travelling 18 kilometres along the Casterton–Naracoorte Road, you’ll pass through Red Cap Creek. Redcap was the name of one of the members of the first Indigenous cricket team, which travelled to England in 1868. That pioneering team embraced the opportunity with courage and determination, embodying the belief that life can offer:
“Wings to show you what you can become,
Roots to remind you where you are from.”
In this edition of Casterton Connections, interviewer Lois Lowe shares a genuine, insightful, and honest conversation built on trust and rapport with Shane Gill, who was born in Redcap.
Born in 1961, Shane is the sixth child of Jack and Verna (Bobbie) Gill. He fondly recalls a simple childhood filled with the antics and adventures shared with his siblings, extended family, and the neighbouring McArlein, Shannon, Foster, and Crossley clans.
Like many others at the time, Shane left home in 1972 at the age of eleven to attend boarding school. Over the next eighteen years, his “wings” carried him through a wide range of experiences, people, self-discovery, and even to meeting his wife, Heather. Yet, his connection to his “roots” remained deeply embedded in his sense of home.
For the past thirty-five years, the Casterton district has been fortunate to have Shane and his family return to where it all began. While he is well-known in the community in many ways, listeners will get a deeper glimpse into the chameleon-like nature of this much-loved local. Shane openly embraces his slightly eccentric and eclectic personality.
Like sands sifting through an hourglass, this interview reveals the many grains that colour Shane’s days—family, nursing, community, travel, and music. It resonates with honesty, courage, humour, and a compassionate, non-judgemental approach to life and people.
So sit back and enjoy the banter, the warmth, and the clear friendship between Lois and Shane, as she explores the layers of a man who walks to the beat of his own drum, while giving so much to so many.
A local whose life experiences have spread his wings, yet who has always stayed true to the values and respect rooted in where he came from. A heartfelt connection to place and people that will always feel like “home.”
"I was lucky to be a child growing up in Casterton in the best era! A simple time where I felt safe, loved and happy."
Be transported back in time as spritely 92 year old Betty Collins whose colourful recollections and love of conversation creates an informative and captivating picture of Casterton in times gone by.
Youngest of twelve, Mother of four, grandmother of 11 and great grandmother of 31 Betty reminisces of her walking to school rain, hail or snow with brown paper in her shoes to help keep her feet warm.
Carefree days rabbiting with her brothers, being rewarded with little cakes for delivering billy cans of milk to Stewarts bakery.
Like most of her generation Betty poignantly recalls her three brothers heading to War and whilst protected from it now thinks what a worrying time it was for her parents with son sin the Airforce, Light horse and one a Prisoner Of War.
In a world now so reliant on technology Betty's recount of a simple Anzac Letter written by her brother Wally to are turned soldier is heart warming as it created a lifetime of Connection that she holds dear today.
A simple act of kindness in the form of a letter....... an art not often used today.
With humour and clarity Betty, with tongue in cheek, recalls her courting days with husband Des to the movies while being chaperoned by her cousin and once married in 1952 building their home in McEvoy Street one room at a time with no power or running water " bit by bit as we could afford it'.
Travel the years, the everchanging landscape of Henty Street through the eyes and memories of the young Betty: daughter sibling ,classmate, employee, young wife and mother, grandmother, friend and volunteer.
Creating bonds has kept this amazing lady young at heart and quick witted.
A top conversationalist who still walks every day and appreciates the way Casterton and Family enriches her days. Listeners and Casterton in return are in debt to this grand senior citizen, volunteer extraordinaire who states "Casterton will do me. It will see me through"
With gratitude and great pleasure Casterton Connections presents another home grown legend and says Bravo Betty Collins!
"I was lucky to be a child growing up in Casterton in the best era! A simple time where I felt safe, loved and happy."
Be transported back in time as spritely 92 year old Betty Collins whose colourful recollections and love of conversation creates an informative and captivating picture of Casterton in times gone by.
Youngest of twelve, Mother of four, grandmother of 11 and great grandmother of 31 Betty reminisces of her walking to school rain, hail or snow with brown paper in her shoes to help keep her feet warm.
Carefree days rabbiting with her brothers, being rewarded with little cakes for delivering billy cans of milk to Stewarts bakery.
Like most of her generation Betty poignantly recalls her three brothers heading to War and whilst protected from it now thinks what a worrying time it was for her parents with son sin the Airforce, Light horse and one a Prisoner Of War.
In a world now so reliant on technology Betty's recount of a simple Anzac Letter written by her brother Wally to are turned soldier is heart warming as it created a lifetime of Connection that she holds dear today.
A simple act of kindness in the form of a letter....... an art not often used today.
With humour and clarity Betty, with tongue in cheek, recalls her courting days with husband Des to the movies while being chaperoned by her cousin and once married in 1952 building their home in McEvoy Street one room at a time with no power or running water " bit by bit as we could afford it'.
Travel the years, the everchanging landscape of Henty Street through the eyes and memories of the young Betty: daughter sibling ,classmate, employee, young wife and mother, grandmother, friend and volunteer.
Creating bonds has kept this amazing lady young at heart and quick witted.
A top conversationalist who still walks every day and appreciates the way Casterton and Family enriches her days. Listeners and Casterton in return are in debt to this grand senior citizen, volunteer extraordinaire who states "Casterton will do me. It will see me through"
With gratitude and great pleasure Casterton Connections presents another home grown legend and says Bravo Betty Collins!
John and his wife, Jo moved to a bush block near Casterton once they had graduated from teacher's College.
Together they built a mud brick home and established gardens as far as the eye can see, whilst raising 4 sports enthusiastic children and teaching at various schools in the region.
John also managed to both play and coach football and cricket teams throughout his life.
Now retired John spends his time maintaining his garden and bush block and bird watching.
From Casterton to the sporting arenas of two of the most famous and passionate “ Magpie “ football clubs; Collingwood and Port Adelaide this humble and gentle giant treasures the adventures of growing up in Casterton.
He recalls family, lifelong friendships and with honesty and sincerity states that wherever he roams Casterton is his DNA and he enjoys returning for a ‘dose ‘ of connection and always proudly promotes the land and home of the Kelpie………. Casterton.
Son of Kiwi and Doris, brother to four siblings’ father of two daughters Abbey and Courtney and grandfather of Umi.
Russell Johnston’s early years were coloured with the laughter and spirit of adventure of his parents ‘open door ‘ welcome which was shared over soft drink or cordial from the famous Jeffrey’s Cordial and soft drink factory owned by his Dad and ex policeman Jack Phillips.
From early days young Russell enjoyed deliveries with his Dad and learned the art of humour and easy conversation. This skill so evident in his interview.
With a resume star studded with success in sporting domains the talented basketballer and footballer has co teamed with many greats the likes of John Cahill {coach} Craig Bradley, Gavin Wanganeen and Peter Daicos but still lists his days with the Saints, Dunrobin- Dergholm, Casterton, Sandford and his lifelong friends just as valued and cherished.
A fascinating, highly recommended connection interview which will have you smiling as you hear of Russell’s recollections, patchwork of experiences, love of travel , hitchhiking willingness to tackle and take up any opportunity life offers while staying true to his grounded “ Country Boy “ roots.
Anthony Hammel was living with his parents in Ballarat when a bushfire destroyed their home. At the age of 10, the family moved to Casterton, after a year in Queensland.
He attended the Casterton Primary and High School where he formed lifelong friendships. After completing Year 12, he spent time doing seasonal work. Working in the Shearing Sheds Crutching and Shearing, and in the Grape Vines pruning where he loved the camaraderie and lifestyle.
Anthony then decided a change was desired and went onto complete a commercial cooking apprenticeship in Warrnambool. He then worked as a junior Chef at Nova Casolino in Warrnambool, the Press Club in Melbourne and with Alla Wolk Tasker at the LakeHouse, Daylesford.
Anthony went backpacking in Europe for 6 months and returned to Daylesford working at Kazuki a French, Japanese fusion restaurant.
A golf enthusiast, he completed a year at the golf academy in Queensland, thinking maybe a career change was in order, and remains a "golf sicko".
Anthony continued his culinary career working on cruise ships, living in Hong Kong and has made a guest appearance on season 8, week 3 (episode 14, watch via 10 Play app) of MasterChef, and shares his stories with us of those experiences.
He remembers living in Casterton as a stable time of his life where he made friends who remain his best mates.
Jo Taylor, is an award winning Artist and Teacher. The youngest of three girls, Jo remembers the freedom of her childhood growing up in the Smith family in Casterton. She attended both the local Primary and Secondary schools, enjoying successful academic achievements.
Jo left Casterton to attend Teachers College in Melbournewhich was quite overwhelming at first, but she found ways to cope.
After years studying and working as a secretary at an insurance company, Jo graduated as a teacher.
Jo has been passionate and committed to Drawing and Art since a young girl and chats about the process of perfecting her craft which has resulted in numerous awards and commendations.
Married to Nigel, the couple have three children and have enjoyed an active life and overseas travel. On one of those trips, Jo received some devastating news.
When Jo returns to Casterton she feels the freshair gives her restorative powers of renewal and healing.
Carol McKinnon-Ward's podcast will be live on Spotify and Apple Podcasts next Tuesday 11th March.
In this chat with Adam Robertson, Carol McKinnon-Ward talks about growing up in Sandford with her parents and sister.
Carol discusses the war years, with many men (including her father) absent from Sandford during that time, the community held fundraising events to support the war, including making camouflage nets.
When Carol was 9 years old her father was stationed at Laverton, and herself, Mum, & sister moved to live in a boarding house in Geelong. While living there Carol contracted poliomyelitis. The family moved back to live in Sandford and Carol completed her schooling at Casterton High School.
Carol's journey then took her to Horsham and Melbourne with work and marriage. After 20 years Carol moved back to live in Casterton and became involved with the theatre troupe. She found love again, and spent time travelling. Gardening and Yoga are now her passions.
Join us, to hear Carol's journey of finding peace back in Casterton.
Len enjoyed an idyllic childhood, growing up on the farm at Muntham, doing farm chores, riding around the hills on bikes with his siblings and enjoying the "magic" views.
Len's life journey has led him a long way from the hills of Muntham, from his first job at the then Bank of N.S.W. in Casterton, to various places and countries around the world. Len's passion for travel has created other amazing opportunities and his eventual return to his home town of Casterton.
Unlike many of the people previously interviewed for this project, Mark Penny, here interviewed by Kane Forbes, had no prior connection to Casterton.
Mark grew up in Melbourne, the son of a pharmacist who taught him about fishing and hunting. Little interested in school, Mark went to work in a fishing tackle shop at 15 years. Eventually, he worked as a fishing tour guide leading tours around the world.
Mark became a representative for a pharmacy company and today still has a business in this industry.
Mark bought a farm in the Casterton area 6 years ago attracted by the climate and rainfall. He finds Casterton a welcoming town, with great facilities and aesthetically lovely.
